Sunday, September 15, 2013

Creating a UDL Lesson

This week, I created my technology- enhanced lesson plan using the Cast UDL Lesson Builder site utilizing the Universal Design for Learning framework.

The lessons UDL use a variety of methods to address the different portions of a learner's brain. The Recognition Network Tasks deals with gathering facts and categorizing information, answering the "what" of learning,  The Strategic Network Tasks deals with planning, performing tasks and expressing ideas, answering the "how" of learning, and the Affective Network Tasks which control learner engagement, motivation and interest,  answering the "why" of learning. The lesson model also incorporates both summative and formative assessments to demonstrate the efficacy of the lesson. To learn more, refer to 
What is Universal Design for Learning?

My lesson is entitled "The Design Process” is for 8th grade Introduction to Engineering. This lesson introduces the class to the Design process also called, the scientific method,  giving them the chance to apply that knowledge to a project to demonstrate understanding.   You can view my entire lesson on the groups
Google Docs site.
The experience of building the lesson was something that my district requires for the classes. The lesson is based on National standards for 8th grade Language Arts, Reading and Technology. I found the approach to be backward for me, as this class at Lamar is geared to teach teachers how to embed technology in their lessons.

The goal of my lesson was to teach students, using tasks for all three brain networks, to work cooperatively and to learn how the Design Process is used for engineering/science projects. I believe I designed a lesson that will hold the students interest, and really make them think about the effects design process has on the projects they will be asked to create in the future.

I learned a lot about developing curriculum that uses technology to differentiate instruction and address multiple learning styles and students with diverse needs. The UDL lesson building tools really make you think about each step of the process, and ways to improve your lesson to reach all students and reinforce instruction through tasks that address the way our brains learn. I will be able to use this in the future as I work with teachers to build lessons for all of their students.


  • Citation: Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Available online at the Center for Applied Special Technology Web site. Chapter 6. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/

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